Reimagining Mental Health: Psychedelics & Community Integration with Flying Sage Co-Founder, Michael Oliver

Dive into a world where nature meets nurture in our latest episode with Tonya Papanikolov. A trailblazer in wellness and a passionate advocate for natural healing, Tonya’s journey from a nutrition expert to a pioneer in mycology offers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. She delves into how an encounter with mushrooms at a pivotal conference ignited her passion, leading her to intertwine Eastern and Western health practices in harmony.

In this episode, Tonya takes us through:

• Her transition from conventional nutrition to the enchanting realm of mycology (02:45).
• Debunking myths and uncovering the true essence of holistic wellness (08:05).
• Merging Western science, Eastern philosophy, and breathwork for a comprehensive approach to health (14:40).
• Personal revelations and growth through her experiences with psychedelic mushrooms (17:13).
• Discover the often-misunderstood facets of mushrooms and their timely significance in today’s world (26:07).
• Learn about the birth of Rainbo and the story behind its evocative name (33:31).

As Tonya articulates her vision, she addresses the commercialization of wellness, the transformative potential of psychedelics for introspective work, and the art of storytelling. This episode is an invitation to explore the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, and the profound impact of intentional wellness practices. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of holistic healing with Tonya’s guidance on the Juya podcast.

Guest Bio:

Tonya transformed her passion for nature's healing powers into Rainbo, a pioneering brand in medicinal mushroom supplements. Beginning her journey in nutritional sciences, Tonya's fascination with mushrooms' unique healing properties led her to create Rainbo in 2018.

As a certified Holistic Nutritionist and experienced Yoga practitioner, Tonya merges Eastern and Western wellness philosophies in her work. Her personal healing experience with fungi sparked a deep reverence for their potential, driving Rainbo's mission to introduce functional mushroom products for mind and body health.

Rainbo, known for its sustainable practices and commitment to eco-consciousness, is a reflection of Tonya's belief in holistic, intentional healing. Through challenges and successes, she has crafted Rainbo into a beacon for wellness, advocating for the profound benefits of fungi in everyday life. Her vision extends beyond supplements to educating and inspiring a community dedicated to holistic health and environmental stewardship.

Tonya's journey is a testament to the power of nature's alchemy and a source of inspiration for those seeking a balanced, purposeful approach to wellness.

For further exploration into adaptogens and Tonya’s curated wellness recipes, visit  rainbo.com/blogs/blog

Drop us a follow:

https://www.instagram.com/juyapodcast/

Venture into the transformative odyssey of Myles Farmer on the Juya podcast, where entrepreneurial ambition meets spiritual exploration. Myles details his passage from the world of fast-food franchising to the uncharted territories of the mind and spirit through the use of ayahuasca. His narrative is one of stark transition, shedding light on the pressures and pitfalls of a life engrossed in the hospitality industry, and the subsequent quest for personal liberation and wellbeing. This episode uncovers how Myles's profound experiences with psychedelics became the catalyst for OtherShip, a sanctuary that redefines wellness and community interaction in the urban landscape.

Highlights:

• Candid look into Myles's struggles with substance abuse during his tenure in hospitality (03:10).
• Myles celebrates his 31st birthday with a life-changing journey in Peru, engaging with ayahuasca and DMT, sparking a dramatic shift in his life path (03:48).
• Inspiration behind Myles Farmer’s innovative concept for a communal wellness experience and how it came to fruition (04:35).
• Opening of OtherShip’s flagship location in Toronto and the overwhelmingly positive response it received (11:05).
• Myles delves into the significance of the name 'OtherShip' and how it encapsulates the transformative journey of its patrons (22:25).
• Myles highlights the importance of consistent practices like those offered by OtherShip for tackling life’s myriad challenges (29:55).

Join us for this deep dive into the heart of transformation, community building, and the pursuit of a more authentic, connected existence.

Guest Bio:

Myles Farmer's story is a tale of transformation, from a small-town upbringing to becoming a trailblazer in the urban business and wellness landscapes. His journey began at the University of Western Ontario, where he dabbled in real estate, setting the stage for a remarkable entrepreneurial career. By age 23, Myles had already made a name for himself as a Tim Hortons franchisee, steering seven award-winning locations and marking his territory in the business world.

His pursuit of success didn’t stop there. Myles extended his prowess to Toronto’s vibrant hospitality scene, opening celebrated restaurants and nightclubs, further showcasing his versatility and business acumen. Beyond the glitz of nightlife, he co-founded Blue Door Communications, a hospitality-focused PR firm, and took the helm at Barbanti Capital Inc., navigating the complex waters of finance.

However, Myles’s most profound pivot came with Othership – a venture born from his personal quest for balance and wellness. Othership, a blend of physical space and digital platform, is Myles's dedication to reshaping lives through transformative experiences that foster awe, belonging, and mental shifts.

His philosophy is deeply rooted in his small-town values of integrity, community, and hard work. Myles's ability to cut through complexity with logic and clarity has been a constant through his transitions – from the adrenaline-fueled realms of nightlife and finance to the more grounded and purpose-driven field of wellness.

At the heart of Myles’s endeavors lies a simple yet profound mission: guiding others to discover harmony and fostering creation, love, growth, and connection. His journey is a testament to aligning one's work with their core values, and his impact resonates far beyond the realms of business, into the realm of personal and community well-being.

Drop us a follow:

https://www.instagram.com/juyapodcast/

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of movement and psychedelics with Slava Goloubov, the creator of the Movement Flow System and a strong advocate for the integrative use of psychedelics. Slava shares his transformative journey from being rooted in a sedentary lifestyle to breaking free and exploring the potential of the human body. Through the lens of the Movement Flow System, we gain insight into a unique approach that bridges various disciplines for a comprehensive physical fitness regimen. Combined with his experiences with psychedelics, this episode provides a glimpse into the human body's untapped capabilities and the expansiveness of the mind.

Highlights:

• Journey to Movement: Slava shares his transition from a sedentary lifestyle to movement mastery (3:10).
• A Step into Consciousness: Slava recounts a silent retreat that sparked his journey towards holistic wellness (4:07).
• Birth of the Movement Flow System: Slava discusses the ethos and creation of his holistic physical fitness program (5:37).
• The Movement Flow Community: The growth and global outreach of his innovative fitness approach (6:50).
• Mastering Skills: Slava's philosophy on honing skills and his stance on cross-disciplinary exploration (8:03)
• Inclusive Fitness: The appeal of the Movement Flow System across diverse demographics, from pro-athletes to individuals with disabilities (12:40)
• Psychedelic Experiences: Slava delves into his transformative experiences with psychedelics (18:24)
• Healing with Psilocybin: Slava recounts a personal journey with psilocybin and its profound healing effects (21:00).

Guest Bio:

Slava Goloubov, the man behind the innovative Movement Flow System, has been redefining physical fitness and expanding its boundaries. From yoga to circus arts, Slava's experiences across diverse disciplines have shaped this unique fitness approach, which has resonated with a global audience. A firm believer in the power of psychedelics for personal growth and exploration, Slava shares his transformative journeys and the profound insights they have granted. This episode delves into Slava's fascinating world, where movement, psychedelics, and consciousness dance together.

Drop us a follow:

https://www.instagram.com/juyapodcast/

Join us as we journey into the heart of the psychedelic renaissance with Michael, a Cognitive Systems graduate and co-founder of The Flying Sage. From the classrooms of UBC to the cutting edge of psychedelic therapy, Michael is helping to redefine our mental health paradigms and societal norms around these powerful, yet often misunderstood substances.

Together, we'll unpack the complex history and cultural baggage of psychedelics, and uncover the work being done at The Flying Sage, where they offer integration circles to help individuals understand and process their psychedelic experiences. Drawing inspiration from Jamie Wheal's "Recapture the Rapture", we discuss the intertwined nature of societal systems and the potential of a holistic, community-driven approach to mental health.

As Michael shares his critique of our existing healthcare system and his vision for a future where wellness is self-reliant and community-focused, prepare to have your perspective shifted. Finally, we'll dive into The Flying Sage's exciting expansion plans and contemplate Michael's powerful message about interconnectedness in a world often promoting separation.

Get ready for a thought-provoking ride as we delve into psychedelics, mental health, and the power of community with Michael, a true visionary in his field.

Highlights:

• Opening thoughts from Par, setting the stage for a deep and transformative conversation about mental health, societal norms, and the potential of psychedelics to revolutionize our understanding and treatment of mental health conditions (1:14)
• Introduction to Michael, a Cognitive Systems graduate turned co-founder of The Flying Sage, a community advocating for psychedelic therapy and mental wellness (3:25)
• A thoughtful critique of our current mental health care systems, highlighting the paradigm-shifting potential of psychedelics in mental health care and discussing the societal paradox of these healing substances being deemed illegal, all within the context of the ongoing psychedelic renaissance (6:44)
• Discussion on the cultural baggage that psychedelics carry, drawing from the countercultural movements of the past, and how this influences the modern psychedelic renaissance (9:25)
• Unveiling the idea and mission behind The Flying Sage: The creation of integration circles, built to support individuals in processing and understanding their psychedelic experiences (10:10)
• An in-depth analysis of Jamie Wheal's "Recapture the Rapture," underlining its thought-provoking vision for mental health care, wellness, and the idea of nationhood based on shared values (19:19)
• The concept of systems thinking, and how Michael perceives the interconnectedness of societal systems and their collective influence on individual and community health (30:02)
• Michael's thoughts on the drawbacks of the existing healthcare system, along with his endorsement for a holistic, community-driven approach (34:53)
• Emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in health and wellness and challenging the norm of excessive dependency on external resources (35:24)
• The Flying Sage's ambitious plans for expansion and creating more psychedelic integration circles across various communities (38:00)
• A powerful concluding message from Michael on the concept of interconnectedness in a world which often promotes division and separation (38:48)

Guest Bio:

Michael Oliver is a visionary leader, dynamic community builder, and devoted psychedelic practitioner hailing from Vancouver, BC. An alumnus of UBC with a degree in Cognitive Systems, Michael has spent the last three years making substantial waves in the psychedelic sphere, most notably in his previous roles as Volunteer Coordinator and Executive Assistant for MAPS Canada. Further extending his commitment to the psychedelic space, Michael co-founded The Flying Sage - a unique intersection of psychedelic-inspired clothing brand and a community of dedicated healers and educators. Through his personal practice, Michael delivers transformative experiences to leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, empowering them on their path to self-actualization and igniting their transformative leadership journey. With his unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Michael continues to redefine the landscape of psychedelic practice and community building.

Drop us a follow:

https://www.instagram.com/juyapodcast/

In this episode, we are joined by Elisabeth Kristof, a certified applied neurology practitioner and founder of Brain-Based Wellness. Elisabeth shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in using applied neurology to help individuals break free from pain, stress responses, and unwanted behaviors.

Throughout the conversation, Elisabeth highlights the importance of training the nervous system and body to improve performance, increase well-being, and manage stress and emotions through science-based brain training. We also explore the connection between the body and the mind, and the unique way each individual's body, mind, and nervous system functions.

In addition to discussing the power of applied neurology, Elisabeth also shares her experience with psychedelic therapy and integration, emphasizing the importance of a safe and supportive environment for individuals looking to benefit from these altered states of consciousness.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Elisabeth as we delve into the power of applied neurology, the mind-body connection, and the risks and benefits of psychedelic therapy and integration.

Highlights:

• Getting to know Elisabeth Kristof (4:37)
• Elisabeth’s personal journey and experience with nervous system dysregulation (5:12)
• Trauma and its effects on relationships (10:00)
• Ignoring dysregulation and its negative health impacts (11:14)
• The importance of movement and practical neuro drills in training the different input systems of the nervous system (13:03)
• Deficits in the nervous system can come from various sources, including medication, old injuries, societal stressors, and trauma (13:46)
• Stress creates protective outputs, such as pain, migraines, binge eating, and depression, to reduce the amount of stimulus coming in and keep the person safe (14:30)
• Introducing new, novel, and complex movements to regulate our nervous system (20:26)
• Training our sensory system, skin, olfactory sense, respiration, vagus nerve, and eyes to regulate our nervous system (20:43)
• Treating our nervous system as a part of holistic health (22:03)
• Integration and creating safety inside of our bodies and nervous system as a foundation for healing (23:57)
• "Live the work and do the practices" (32:20)
• Elisabeth’s mission to teach people how to become experts of their own nervous system (33:01)
• Elisabeth’s Food Freedom program and how it helps people who have disordered eating patterns (33:59)
• Wrap-up and conclusion (35:00)

Guest Bio:

Elisabeth Kristof is a true expert in the field of applied neurology and its ability to help people move beyond pain, unwanted behavior, and stress responses. As the founder of Brain-Based Wellness, a comprehensive online platform, Elisabeth trains the nervous system and body to break free from old patterns, improve performance, and increase overall well-being.

With her certification as an applied neurology practitioner and a wealth of experience in the wellness and movement industry dating back to 2007, Elisabeth is sought after by entrepreneurs, athletes, leaders, and creatives looking to improve their resilience, manage their stress, and regulate their emotions through science-based brain training.

Throughout her research and work with hundreds of clients, Elisabeth discovered that true healing and change must occur in both the body and the mind, and that each person's body, mind, and nervous system is unique. With the right tools, however, we are all capable of healing, something Elisabeth emphasizes in her exclusive free video training.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of Elisabeth's step-by-step system to zap stress, resolve anxiety, drop unwanted behaviors, and magnify clarity and focus. Follow the link to get your free videos now: https://brainbased-wellness.com/free-subscription/

Drop us a follow:

https://www.instagram.com/juyapodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/followyourwhy/

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of plant-based medicine and the amazing healing power of psychedelic medicine with Richard Meloff, co-founder of Nushama. Richard shares his journey of leaving his legal practice in New York after three years to pursue his passion for plant-based medicine, and how his experience in the legal cannabis industry led him to discover the unbelievable healing power of psychedelic medicine.

We dive deep into the limitations of cannabis and how ketamine can be a better solution, despite its mixed reputation and varied effects at different doses. Richard explains how ketamine facilitates the dissolution of ego and can help people who struggle to give up control, and how it can be safely taken while on SSRIs. We also discuss how ketamine therapy at Nushama can open the door to healing, but it's up to the individual to walk through it.

Richard shares his thoughts on the alignment of mind, body, and spirit, and how traditional medicine often neglects the spiritual aspect of healing. He also discusses the importance of stories in overcoming fear and stigma around these substances, and how being out of alignment with our purpose or passion in life can result in physical symptoms of disease.

Join us for an insightful conversation on the wonders of ketamine, spiritual medicine, and legalization with Richard Meloff, a passionate advocate for the therapeutic and life-saving benefits of psychedelics.

Highlights:

• Why Richard left his legal practice in New York after three years (4:11)
• The work Richard was doing in the legal cannabis space (4:30)
• The concerns and limitations around cannabis as plant medicine (4:44)
• The intersection of science and law and other legally available remedies (6:35)
• The mixed reputation of ketamine and its myriad effects at varied doses (6:57)
• How ketamine facilitates the dissolution of ego at the right dose (7:24)
• The complexities of modern medicine and the limitations and potential downsides of relying solely on medication to treat illness (7:42)
• The experience of ketamine therapy at Nushama (9:15)
• Exploring the use of ketamine therapy, drawing inspiration from the work of renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Stanislav Grof (12:27)
• How traditional therapy can sometimes leave individuals feeling stuck in the same narratives or stories (14:09)
• Ketamine can open the door but you still have to walk through it (15:27)
• How stories help people overcome their fear or stigma around these psychedelics (18:40)
• How traditional medicine doesn’t address the alignment of mind, body and spirit (25:00)
• How being out of alignment with our purpose or passion in life can result in physical symptoms of disease (26:30)
• Challenging the common notion that science and spirituality are opposing forces, and exploring how psychedelic therapy can be both a scientific and spiritual solution to mental health challenges (27:50)

Guest Bio: 

Meet Richard Meloff, co-founder of Nushama, a company focused on the healing power of psychedelic medicine. Richard's interest in plant-based medicine began when he joined the cannabis industry in early 2019, where he led commercialization and sales teams at a licensed producer, creating exponential revenue growth. During the pandemic in 2020, Richard began researching the unbelievable healing power of psychedelic medicine and knew this was the future of mental wellness. After speaking with his longtime friend Jay Godfrey, who was also a passionate advocate for the therapeutic and life-saving benefits of psychedelics, Richard knew he was being called to this field of work, and thus, Nushama was born. With over fifteen years of management experience in the food and cannabis industries, Richard brings valuable expertise to Nushama. As a former senior executive, he's always been drawn to entrepreneurship, even co-creating a course on management called "Getting It Done" while pursuing his JD/MBA at the University of Toronto. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to such eclectic pursuits as starting a synagogue for young professionals in Toronto and bringing the first slurpee machine to downtown Montreal while he was a student at McGill University. While Richard's achievements in business are impressive, his greatest accomplishment is being a husband and father to three beautiful children. When he's not working, Richard is passionate about community, food, and baseball. Join us as we dive into Richard's journey and learn about the incredible potential of psychedelic medicine.

Drop us a follow:

https://www.instagram.com/juyapodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/followyourwhy/

Welcome to The Juya Podcast! I'm Parham Albadvi, and I help purpose-driven founders by providing roadmaps and guidance — aiding in their journey from where they are, to where they aspire to be. 

On today's episode, I'm sharing some background the vision behind the Juya podcast, what you can expect from our debut season, and a little about me. 

The intention for this season is to explore the mysteries of human consciousness, the transformative power of psychedelics, and the science of functional wellness. Through conversations with industry leaders and experts in the field, the podcast aims to offer valuable tools to uplift consciousness and help us connect with ourselves and others. 

Join us on this transformative journey as we explore the infinite possibilities that exist within us. Through this podcast, my mission is to co-create a community with conscious individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.

If you have specific guests in mind for future episodes, we'd love to hear from you in the DMs over at @juyapodcast or @followyourwhy.

Highlights: